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https://discord.gg/Mmn2FPW Come talk to us on the Podcast Junkie discord server at... https://discord.gg/napQ3Cb [Narrator]   Our beloved city sits, in a nearly constant state of anxiety in its present time. Never before in her history, has she experienced the kind of upheaval that has been forced upon her of late. With Tharin's absence during his stay in the hospital, much has happened to delay the search for Saris. The council is panicked, the people's confidence is in ruin and the Theosin are crawling ever closer to their ultimate power grab. Now is the time to act. For in tumultuous times as these, there is never...a moment of rest.     [James Corin]   The explosive were in the apartment above yours. Someone had drilled holes in the floor to put them in and well...the floor just collapsed. The same was done above my apartment, as well as Daytons.     [Tharin]   Last I knew, Mr Alice and his family lived in the apartment above me. Are you saying they were working with the Theosin?     [James]   No. Whoever did this killed them and the other two families, before they set the explosives. Someone wanted to get rid of the three protections of the council....It gets worse.     [Tharin]   Of course it does. My father mentioned, you had said the other three bombings weren't as insignificant as everyone had thought.     [James]   Have you read the report?     [Tharin]   I have not. I've been working on the new apartment. I'm taking a break and thought I'd call you.     [James]   Well...the first of the three was at the Joust Sustainability emporium, the second was Walt's Outlet and the third...     [Tharin]   Let me guess...Traits.     [James]   Yes.     [Tharin]   (Breath)   So either they've found the information or Saris has given it up.     [James]   I'd hate to think he has...but...who else besides us would have that information. I mean, only three people are privy to the location...of these highly sensitive positions.      [Tharin]   Right.     [James]   So what are we going to do?     [Tharin]   You have Mr Theis in your possession?     [James]   Yes.     [Tharin]   Does Dayton know why he's there, or that he's even there, at all?     [James]   No, Dayton is preoccupied with the errands of Sorrel, he has no interest in Mr Theis.     [Tharin]   Ok, I'll be there in a few minutes. We'll see what Mr Theis has to say for himself.     [Narrator]   Tharin rushes over to the southern policing force complex. It's not as large as Tharins depot, but still occupies an entire square 1/8 mile. The central building of the complex soars over the surrounding area and reminds the neighborhood that there safety is in the hands of many capable people. Salistine touches down on the landing pad that adorns the its top and heads down to the interrogation rooms. Let's listen in, shall we...     [Tharin]   Mr. Theis. Do you know what this is?     [Mr. Theis]   No     [Tharin]   This is an electrical device, called truth serum...it shocks the neurons of you brain and causes every muscle and organ in your body to flex. You will...pee yourself, which is very embarrassing and the pain after will last around 30 minutes. The pain isn't going to be like any you've felt before. It is excruciating. Imagine having a Charlie horse in your entire body. In other words, you will smell disgusting and you will be in a huge amount of pain. You can avoid all this however, simply by telling me where Saris is.     [Mr. Theis]   I don't know where Saris is. What makes you think I do?     [Tharin]   Ok, we'll go through it all I guess. When Saris first disappeared we built a device. A device that allowed us to track his personal positioning sensor. When we first turned said device on, it showed about fifty of him, all over the city. We have now narrowed those fifty...to three. Your sensor is one of those three...Mr. Theis.     [Mr. Theis]   What does that prove? How does this make me a guilty party to a missing Saris? This is absurd, I demand you let me go immediately.     [Tharin]   You are in no position to make demands Mr Theis. In fact, you're on the brink of losing your citizenship. Now...are you going to tell me where Saris is? Or am I going to have to zap you with this...thing?     [Mr. Theis]   I can't tell you what I don't know and what do you mean "on the brink of losing my citizenship"?     [Tharin]   In this folder, there is enough information to send you beneath the city for life. In the catacombs you'll get to tend to the sewage and water lines, electrical lines and the blue juice, which is extremely flammable I might add. In fact last week we lost 122 people. They just went up like matches...horrible death.     [Mr. Theis]   You have no information of the kind? I've done nothing...wrong!     [Tharin]   It seems, Mr Theis, you've been working with the rogue faction of the Theosin for quite some time now. There's enough information here, to have you executed really.      [Mr Theis]   This is ridiculous! I know people in the Theosin and that's it. They come into my store to buy jewelry like everyone else.     [Tharin]   Well then, I suppose you should have chosen who you did business with, more wisely.      [Mr Theis]   Look...commissioner...     [Tharin]   Mr Theis...I'm beginning to lose my patience, you can either tell me what I want to know or not. The choice is yours.     [Mr Theis]   But I've told you already...     [Tharin]   SARIS...IS MISSING...I HAD AN ATTEMPT ON MY LIFE. As did James Corin and his family, not to mention Dayton. You will either tell me what I waNT TO KNOW...OR FACE YOUR JUDGEMENT.     [Mr Theis]   But I don't know anything.     [Tharin]   Give me that...   (Electrical sounds. The man begins to grunt as Tharin shocks him.)   (Breath)   He having a seizure...give him a shot.     (Tharin throws the device on the table and walks off. He pushes his coms button)     [Jarrett]   Tharin. How's it going?     [Tharin]   He's not talking...we're back to square one.     [Narrator]   Inside of a lab, deep beneath the council building Knox works away constructing his code which is nearly complete. He calls on Tharin to acquire some parts necessary to complete his project.     [Tharin]   You needed to see me Knox?     [Knox]   Ah, yes...commissioner Grady. How are you...doing?     [Tharin]   I've had better days. What did you need?     [Knox]   Yes, of course. I need...a 3 3/4 inch electric coupler and a device 23 miles outside the city walls.     [Tharin]   How do know...there's a device 23 miles outside the city walls?     [Knox]   Because, the code told me where it was.     [Tharin]   The code...talks...to you?     [Knox]   Yes. Well...I mean...it's not just or she's not just a code….she's an AI.      [Tharin]   Uh huh. So an AI....inside of a box...told you were to find a device...23 miles away?     [Knox]   Yes. She used the city sensors, along with logs from the scrappers and has determined the exact location of the device.     [Tharin]   So does she talk to you...in your mind?      [Knox]   No...she...     [Tharin]   I mean to say...are you hearing voices...Knox?     [Knox]   No of course not commissioner. I'm not crazy. She talks to me in code on the screen.     [Tharin]   Hmmm. So I thought code was all ones and zeros.     [Knox]   (Laughing) oh..oh commissioner Iya has well surpassed ones and zeros. She's created her own code now. Much more advanced than anything before.     [Tharin]   Are you sure we can trust this AI.     [Knox]   Oh yes. She has her own set of moral context. She's not allowing herself to do anything harmful. She just...simply wants to be...human.     [Tharin]   Human?     [Knox]   Yes human. You see once I have everything built, we will...move in some dirt. From that dirt she will gather the carbon and poof.     [Tharin]   Poof as in...human?     [Knox]   Yes exactly.     [Tharin]   Why not just commission Ross to build this device?     [Knox]   Brilliant...brilliant engineer Ross Ajin, but...I can not work with him.     [Tharin]   And why not? You two seem to be on the same wavelength.     [Knox]   Ross was helping me with my project for a while, but...but he just...well, he kept...trying to reprogram Iya. I would come in every morning and have to fix what he'd screwed up. I'd have to waste about an hour everyday. It's like he was...trying to make her think that he was her master or something, I don't know...so I had to step away from him.     [Thatin]   Sounds like Ross.   (Breath)   Alright, I'll get you your parts. I'm off to talk to Gypsy...I guess. This should be fun.     [Knox]   Yes its...the reason I needed you. I can't talk to her...she frightens me.     [Tharin]   Yes well, she frightens everyone. It's the whole...I'm so nice, that I will comfort you while I kill you...thing.     [Knox]   Well...good luck commissioner.     [Tharin]   Thank you, I'll need it.     [Narrator]   Tharin sits in his car, trying to determine how to best approach Gypsy. She will, no doubt be perturbed at his presence on her turf. Finally he decides to consult Salistine.     [Tharin]   I'm just not sure Salistine. I mean I'm walking onto her territory. The agreement between the Graven Rogues and the council states, that law enforcement must keep their distance.     [Salistine]   Perhaps sir, if you just explained the Knox situation she'd be sympathetic to your demands.     [Tharin]   Knox situation..(laughing)...I like that one Salistine. She's not going to be happy, no matter what I say.     [Salistine]   Maybe a better way to first engage the conversation, would be to start with common ground.     [Tharin]   Hmmm. That's actually a pretty good idea. Thank you Salistine.     [Salistine]   Your welcome sir.     [Tharin]   Ok, take me to the Graven Rogue district. The Baldwell complex.     [Salistine]   Baldwell complex it is sir ETA is 11 minutes and 32 seconds sir.     [Narrator]   In the distance, the Baldwell complex slowly reveals itself through the omnipresent fog. Salistine touches down on the wet street across from the building. Tharin exits the vehicle and walks through the revolving doors. He's followed by three men. They ride with him up the elevator to the top floor. The door opens and one man gestures to Tharin to exit the elevator.     [Thug]   Right this way commissioner.     [Narrator]   Tharin follows the man though an open floor. No desks, no people, just a door on the opposite end of the room. They open the door and Gypsy sits at a desk, next to a large window. One man walks over to the bar on the right wall and the other two walk over and stand next to Gypsy. The first man Bruce, walks over to hand Tharin a drink.     [Tharin]   I will have to say, I was not expecting such a warm welcome.     [Gypsy]   Now why wouldn't we be hospitable to the famed commissioner Tharin Grady?     [Tharin]   I just wasn't expecting it is all and when these three followed me in, I wasn't sure if it was to escort me...or to kill me. How did you know I was coming anyway?     [Gypsy]   Tharin, no one enters this district without me knowing about it. As soon as you entered our airspace, I sent Bruce and these two goons down to great you. After all, we are hospitable here in the Graven Rogue District. I mean, we even gave you a drink.     [Tharin]   Yes...and what is this...drink?     [Gypsy]   (Breath)   It's true...Jones did call me about getting you...out of the way. Truth be told, I like the way things are now. Why would it benefit me to have the current system overthrown? I have a really good thing going with the council. If they're gone it'll just be a guessing game on where I'd fall in the mix really. Besides Tharin...if I wanted you dead, I'd do it with a bit more flair than a poisoned drink.     [Tharin]   Right! Well, I was only asking what the drink was...but I think I'll be putting it down now.     [Gypsy]   (Laughing)   You really need to work on your trust issues.     [Tharin]   Yes well...an attempt on your life has a tendency to make one...cautious.     [Gypsy]   This is The City Within The Walls Tharin. An attempt on one's life is a daily occurence....anyway, what brings you to my little corner of paradise?     [Tharin]   Two things, actually. First, do you have any information on the whereabouts of Saris?     [Gypsy]   If I did, I'd rescue him and kill Jones myself. However, Jones is sly...that and I'm not to sure he's the only one behind all this.      [Tharin]   If you come across any information that would be pertinent to finding Saris...please let me know.     [Gypsy]   If I come across any information, I'm using it myself to find Saris.     [Tharin]   I'm getting the sense that you have a thing...for Saris.     [Gypsy]   No, no thing...he'd just make for a great bargaining chip to use against the council.     [Tharin]   Right, I'm going to go with a thing, now the second is...I need a device that's 23 miles outside the city walls.     [Gypsy]   And how do you know there's a device 23 miles outside the city walls?     [Tharin]   Knox's AI told him.     [Gypsy]   How does an AI know about this…"device"?     [Tharin]   Something about the city monitors and scrapper logs...I don't know really, he just seems to believe it's out there. He gave me the coordinates.     [Gypsy]   Well if I'm sending people out on a needle hunt, it's going to cost some serious dough.     [Tharin]   Whatever you need, just name it.     [Gypsy]   Ok, Tharin...I'll get your device. I'll call when I have it....now leave before I release the hounds.     [Tharin]   Already on my way.     (End scene)     [Jarrett]   The broadcast this morning did some good I think. The people knowing that you're alive and well is a very important step in restoring order. Some...are more at ease. Not all however, share in the relief.      [Tharin]   The people aren't used to all of these...stirrings. They've become a bit spoiled in the last few generations. Nothing like this has happened for quite some time.     [Jarrett]   Yes, yes...you're right. It's going to take something very drastic to set their minds at ease.     [Tharin]   What do you have in mind?     [Jarrett]   Not sure yet, but the council will no doubt, collectively find a solution.     [Tharin]   Yes, well...let's hope someone comes up with something soon.     [Jarrett]   If not, the city may very well end up in total disarray. Things may wind up exactly as Jones wants it. We can let that happen Tharin.     [Tharin]   (Breath)   Understood...I'll sleep on it and if I find a resolution I'll call you.     [Jarrett]   Please do. Go home and get some rest. You've been through a lot lately.     [Tharin]   I was actually thinking about taking Aleen to Lou's Dinner tonight.     [Jarrett]   Oh? No expensive dining tonight?     [Tharin]   No, we decide to leave the fancy tastes to the council.     [Jarrett]   Which you will be one day.     [Tharin]   Yes, yes and you'll never let me forget either.     [Jarrett]   Have a good time and still try to get some rest.     [Tharin]   Goodbye father.     [Jarrett]   Goodbye Tharin.     [Narrator]   Tharin meets Aleen for a much needed break from the chaos. The two sit in a booth in the back corner of Lou's Dinner. It's the second date and the first time the two have seen each other sense the hospital.      [Tharin]   So…how are you?     [Aleen]   Pretty good, just...ya know...normal, I guess.     [Tharin]   Ya...I know...normal…     (Both speak at the same time…"this is really"..)     [Tharin]   I'm sorry, what where going to say?     [Aleen]   No, I'm sorry go ahead.     [Tharin]   I was going to say...this is really awkward!     [Aleen]   Oh thank the council. I thought I was the only one feeling that way.     [Tharin]   No it is very awkward. You are not the only one feeling that way.     (Both laugh)     [Aleen]   Why is it so awkward though?     [Tharin]   Could have something to do with the fact that we each know how the other feels. Doesn't really make anything different though does it?     [Aleen]   Not really, I don't think anyway.     [Tharin]   Well then...maybe we should start over.     [Aleen]   I'll agree to that.     [Tharin]   Ok, good. So, how are you Aleen?     [Aleen]   Well I'm not feeling awkward anymore…     (Both laugh)     [Tharin]   It really was awkward there for a second wasn't it.     [Aleen]   It really was. How are you holding up?     [Tharin]   Well I feel fantastic really. Better than before the indecent really.     [Aleen]   I was very worried.     [Tharin]   I know you were.      [Aleen]   So how's the investigation going?     [Tharin]   Not well. We've had a few breakthroughs that turn out to be dead ends...its very frustrating, that and the people are starting to become frightened. They're losing their trust in us, to keep them safe.     [Aleen]   So what are you going to do? About the people I mean?     [Tharin]   Not sure...I'm open to ideas.     [Aleen]   Have you found any suspects in the bombings?     [Tharin]   Yes, we have three. One has already refused to speak. I'll talk to the other two tomorrow.     (End scene)   [Tharin]   I've just talked to Aleen...we've...come up with a plan.     (End)